“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things. Go out into the world today and love the people you meet, and do some service if needed. Let your presence light new light in the hearts of people.” – Mother Teresa
“Be not afraid, for all great power throughout the history of humanity has been with the people. From out of their ranks have come all the greatest geniuses of the world, and history can only repeat itself. Be not afraid of anything. You will do marvellous work. Be not in despair, the way is very difficult, like walking on the edge of a razor; yet despair not, arise, awake, and find the ideal, the goal. Do not be afraid of a small beginning. great things come afterwards. Be courageous. Do not try to lead your brethren, but serve them. The brutal mania for leading has sunk many a great ships in the waters of life. Take care especially of that, i.e. be unselfish even unto death, and work”- Swami Vivekananda
Mangaluru: Away from the hustle and bustle of city traffic and hectic life, away from pollution filled city atmosphere and blaring noise of traffic and humans, away from their parents, dear and near ones, away from their friends and fun life, away from the comfort of their own bed and hot shower facilities at home, away from access to smart phones and video gadgets -these 50 boys and girls of Milagres PU College- National Service Scheme Unit ( NSS )-Mangaluru have decided to sacrifice their time and fun life towards community service, and for seven days they will be nestled at St Anne’s English Medium School building-Kelarai, near Neermarga, in the outskirts of the City. For seven days they will feel the touch of village life, have close encounters with the village people, and will experience how village dwelling will be -and this could bring a change in their personal nature and lifestyle. They will also involve in doing some community service in that area, including cleaning, gardening etc.
After welcome address by Mohana Krishna Nambiar- NSS Programme Officer, the inauguration of the 7-day NSS camp was done by watering a potted plant by chief guest, Mohammed Hashim, Trustee and owner of PTC (bus transport co), along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Rev Fr Michael Santhumayor-Administrator, Milagres Institutions; Rev Fr Vishal Monis-Administrator, St Anne English Medium School; Joseph ‘Joe’ D’souza-Retd. Engineer/NRI (USA); John Pais-Principal, Milagres PU College; Shalet Vas- Principal, St Anne EMS, Harold monteiro- Ex- Vice-Principal, Milagres School; Bhasker K- MCC Corporator; MK Nambiar- NSS programme Officer; Smt Sashiprabha kotian- Taluk panchayat Board member and others.
Addressing the students Chief guest Mohammed Hashim said, ” Avail all you can get from your institution and be a responsible youth of this nation. Being a old student, I can say that Milagres College is a great institute, which is reaching great heights day by day through education and achievements. I am happy to note that college has a strong and active NSS unit under the guidance of Programme officer MK Nambiar. You need be be community service oriented, be responsible students, be attentive and well-behaved, follow the rules and regulations of the college and also NSS, respect their elders and be role model to others.
I am confident that you all will do a marvelous job and make a difference. Keep up the good work that you have entrusted with, and may god bless you all”.
Fr Vishal Monis inspired the students with his kind words of wisdom saying, ” Avail all you can get from your institution and be a responsible youth of this nation. Your NSS activities is surely a bonus to your future achievements. Serve the community, respect your teachers and adults, and be a responsible citizen of this country. Your community service rendered in this Kelarai/Neermarga area and in our school campus will be appreciated by the locals here and you will be blessed by them. Try you keep your areas clean. It is only through the eyes of others do you see yourself. It is only through the work of your own do you find the difference in others. Show enthusiasm, dedication and love towards what you do, you’ll be blessed and admired by others. You all have a great week ahead to show how good you can do to the surrounding community here- best of luck and may God bless you”.
Fr Michael Santhumayor addressing the students said, “NSS is an opportunity provided by the education department for service. Service that is free of self..is Godly! It should be done without much noise. Hence NSS camps are organized in places other than the institution that has the Unit. Annual NSS camp is an practical exposure to students who imbibe primarily the theoretical knowledge in the class rooms. It’s like a learned man who asked a boatman, “do you know science? Geography? Holy Scriptures? History?. The boat man said “No”.
The learned man replied, ‘Then your life is meaningless. Suddenly there was a cyclone in the water-the boat started dwindling…during which the boatman asked the learned man, ‘My friend now tell me do you know swimming’?-the learned man replied, ‘N”. Then the boatman retorted..now it’s the end of your life…Finally the boatman who knew swimming saved the learned man from drowning. This story tells us that we need science, religion etc but without practice they are useless. Everyone is not meant for selfless service, hence we opt for it. NSS has given you this opportunity-make use of it to the best of your ability, and learn to live with minimum and try to achieve the maximum through your services” added Fr Santhumayor.
Principal John Pais motivated the NSS students with his thought-provoking speech, where he said, ” You students should do something positive, something unique which could change the society and make a difference. You are on your own here, no parents to guide and advice you – all decisions and activities are controlled by yourself. Since issues and concerns have changed a lot, NSS through effective and unique projects should change the society. Your NSS team is the strongest unit in the college-you need to come out of the box and do something worthy and unique. You need to tie up with NGOs, work with them and bring a change in the community. Also when you do such projects don’t forget to highlight them through media or any other sources, so that the society knows your contribution towards them. Lear to be self disciplined, dedicated and sincere- these qualities will benefit in your life to be a responsible citizen”.
The dignitaries were presented with mementos and certificates for their support and encouragement. The support and encouragement rendered by Team Mangalorean was appreciated by the NSS camp organizers, by presenting “Yours Truly” with a memento and certificate. The vote of thanks was proposed by lecturer, Mohammed Farooq, while the programme was professionally compered by Mallika Shetty-lecturer in Kannada. The camp is supervised by lecturers of Milagres PU College namely- Siggi Perumayyan, Mohammed Farooq, Jane Saldanha, Tina D’Souza, Ashwitha, and student co-ordinators Mohammed Thasreef and Sumana, under the leadership of NSS Project Officer MK Nambiar. Various activities and seminars/talks will be held during the seven day camp, including community service around the camp area.
Team Mangalorean/’Mangalorean.com’ feels proud to be associated with many of the projects undertaken by Milagres PU College NSS unit, in covering their happenings, events, and these young boys and girls are very energetic, enthusiastic, dedicated and above all, well mannered and self-respected- to all these dedicated and hard working NSS volunteers I end this report with a thought-provoking and inspiring message – “Don’t lose interest in your social service work, in case your selfless work is not appreciated by the local people. Your hard work and community service will always be appreciated by God, which is the greatest honor and blessings one can get. Don’t give up, your help to the society will always be cherished and remembered by your fellow citizens. Your sacrifice, devotion, socialism and social equality will always be appreciated. So keep up the good work that you are all entrusted with, and may God bless you all “.
